Bill Cleyndert & Co

For over forty years, Bill Cleyndert & Company has embodied excellence in manufacturing, specialising in bespoke cabinetry and specialist interior joinery. Founded in Fakenham in 1983, the company has grown from a small barn workshop into a team of 106 across two Norfolk sites. Known for crafting custom furniture and cabinetry for private residences and superyachts, their reputation rests on uncompromising quality and painstaking attention to detail. Their dedication to operational excellence has resulted in sustainable growth, helping to support the local economy and supply chains.

A decade ago, facing a marked skills gap, Bill Cleyndert & Company made a significant commitment to workforce advancement by launching its own apprenticeship scheme. In collaboration with Rowden Atelier, they developed a forward-thinking curriculum, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering methods. Now, the company trains 12 apprentices annually via an intensive four-year programme, with a ten-year pathway available for those seeking master maker status—a testament to their focus on developing a highly skilled workforce to support their future growth aspirations. Support from North Norfolk District Council was instrumental, connecting the company with other successful apprenticeship models and facilitating knowledge exchange that helped shape what they now regard as the gold standard of training.

This bespoke approach to staff development mirrors the company’s philosophy for client projects: applying the same rigorous standards of care and precision to training as they do to furniture making. Many apprentices advance into roles in estimating, design, or project management, illustrating how investing in talent creates enduring organisational resilience. By focusing on skill development, sustainable growth, and operational excellence, Bill Cleyndert & Company continues to add value to the local economy and establishes industry-leading standards within the manufacturing sector.